§ 18-212. Vacant property security requirements.

(a)

Properties subject to this article shall be maintained in a secure manner so as not to be accessible to unauthorized persons.

(b)

If a mortgage on a property is in default, and the property has become vacant or abandoned, a local property manager shall be designated by the mortgagee to perform the work necessary to bring the property into compliance with the Code of Ordinances and the local property manager must perform regular inspections to verify compliance with the requirements of this section, and any other applicable laws or ordinances of the city. These inspections shall be conducted at least bi-weekly. Upon the request of the city or its authorized representative, the local property management company shall provide a copy of the inspection reports to the code compliance department.

(c)

When a property subject to this article becomes vacant or abandoned it shall be posted with the name and 24-hour contact telephone number of the local property manager. The sign shall be placed in a window facing the street and shall be visible from the street. The posting shall be no less than 18 inches × 24 inches and shall be of a font that is legible from a distance of 45 feet. The posting shall contain the following language with supporting information:

THIS PROPERTY IS MANAGED BY AND IS INSPECTED ON A REGULAR BASIS.
THE PROPERTY MANAGER CAN BE CONTACTED BY TELEPHONE AT OR BY EMAIL AT

(d)

The posting required in subsection (c) above shall be placed on the interior of a window facing the street to the front of the property so that it is visible from the street, or secured to the exterior of the building/structure facing the street to the front of the property so that it is visible from the street or if no such area exists, on a stake of sufficient size to support the posting in a location that is at all times visible from the street to the front of the property but not readily accessible to vandals. Exterior posting shall be constructed of and printed with weather-resistant materials to withstand normal exposure to the elements.

(e)

Failure of the mortgagee and/or property owner of record to properly inspect and secure a property subject to this article, and post and maintain the signage noted in this section, is unlawful and a class C violation and shall be subject to enforcement by any of the enforcement means available to the city. Pursuant to a finding and determination, the city may take the necessary action to ensure compliance with this section, and recover costs and expenses in support thereof.

(Ord. No. 4410-12, § 4, 3-5-2012)